What is the difference between leadership and management?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Leadership has been described as a trait, the art of inducing compliance, an exercise of influence,
a kind of behavior or act, a form of persuasion, a power relationship, an instrument in goal
attainment, an effective interaction, a differentiated role, and an initiation of structure.
Leadership has also been defined as acts or behaviors that result in a shared direction, alignment
to goals and values and commitment for change, and developing teams. It has also been defined
as directing and coordinating work relationships while showing consideration for others, an
activity that mobilizes people to do something and a social meaning-making process that takes
place as a result of an activity or work in a group. Leadership should not be confused with
supervision or management. Leadership, as a concept and practice, attempts to motivate,
influence, or mobilize an individual or group.
Supervision and management, on the other hand, involves directing people toward organizational
goals. Although supervision and leadership may be exercised or exhibited by the same individual,
both represent distinct concepts. Leadership produces change by establishing direction, aligning
people, motivating, and inspiring. Supervision and management bring a measure of order and
consistency to organizations by planning and budgeting, organizing and staffing, and controlling.
In other words,
supervision and management follow leadership. Bennis distinguished leadership from
management along numerous dimensions. Not all managers or supervisors make good leaders.
And, not all leaders make good supervisors or managers. Ideally, good supervisors are also good
leaders. The concept of leadership is often misunderstood because definitions of leadership vary
and the process for leadership development is vague. However, substantial evidence exists that
leads progressive thinkers to believe that leadership skills are essential for all workers in
contemporary society. These leadership skills must also entail global leadership competencies.
These global leadership competencies are developed by: (1) eliminating cultural ignorance
through enhancing knowledge, awareness, and an understanding, appreciation and acceptance of
other cultures, which in turn (2) changes attitudes and values of other cultures, leading to (3)
transformations in oneself where globalized behaviors and attitudes become internalized,
effortless, and a way of life. Leadership is not a position within a company. In some cases,
individuals will assume that managers are leaders. However, this is not always the case.
Leadership is every person’s responsibility, and each employee can assume a leadership role.
The CEO of an organization is probably the most important strategic initiator. The CEO plays a
significant role in defining the organization’s philosophy, values, mission, and priorities. The
CEO is instrumental in creating the climate conducive to successful change and positive
outcomes. The CEO is also in the best position to assist with the creation of a vision for the
future. Ideally, middle and upper level managers should lead as well as manage. Rather than
insulate themselves from line supervisors and operations personnel, upper and middle managers
should interact with subordinates, assisting the latter through mentoring, coaching, and team
building. Upper and middle managers are in an excellent position to act as conduits, monitoring for and adjusting the pace of change.